Steam loco is derailed

A locomotive pulling a train carrying 31 passengers was derailed on a scenic stretch of the Severn Valley Railway from Kidderminster to Bridgnorth.

An investigation was under way today after the locomotive came off the tracks at slow speed on the approach to Hampton Loade.

Services on part of the line have been affected by damage to the track.

Passengers had to be bussed to their Bridgnorth destination after the steam locomotive derailed on Monday.

It was the final train of the day from Kidderminster to the railway's terminus in Bridgnorth.

A short section of track within station limits was damaged, preventing the train from pulling in to the platform.

Severn Valley spokesman David Wilcock, said: "All vehicles remained upright, and only the tender of the locomotive became derailed. The railway arranged a relief bus to convey the train's 31 passengers the final four miles to Bridgnorth.

"The train was slowing for the Hampton Loade station stop at the time of the incident."

There were no injuries, and the emergency services were not called.

The SVR has begun an internal inquiry to determine the cause of the derailment, and the independent Rail Accident Investigation Branch has been notified in accordance with statutory requirements.

Track engineers have begun the task of assessing and replacing the damaged track panel.

Trains are now only running between Kidderminster and Highley.

Only four return trains will run daily during the disruption.